Sunday, February 10, 2013

Laissez les bons temps rouler! The Colors of Mardi Gras

It’s Mardi Gras! Carnival season! And Fat Tuesday is just around the corner. Ever wonder where those fabulous colors of Mardi Gras came from?

In 1872, the three colors of Mardi Gras were chosen by Rex, the King of Mardi Gras in honor of the visiting Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovich Romanoff, who suggested the colors. And where do you suppose he found these color combinations?

Purple Represents Justice.

Green Represents Faith.

Gold Represents Power.

The colors are found throughout nature.

Johnny Jump Ups Viola tricolor

German Iris Iris germanica

Crocus Crocus sativus

On the Color Wheel, purple and yellow are opposite colors making them the perfect complimentary color combination providing the best contrast. This effect makes them jump out at you. While yellow is a primary color, purple and green are both secondary colors (a blend of two primary colors).

For more information on New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, go HERE. For more information on color in the garden, go HERE. And to all of you who embrace the season, Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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About Me

I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister and a friend. I love writing, plants, garden design and architecture. As a practicing and registered Landscape Architect living and working in southeastern North Carolina, I have devoted my professional life to helping others create meaningful and beautiful outdoor spaces for living. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and educating others about the things I am most passionate about.

March Plant of the Month

Oxalis regnelli, otherwise known as the Shamrock, is the most recognized symbol of Ireland and is often associated with the Irish and St. Patrick's Day. Otherwise known as woodsorrel, it was a sacred plant to the Druids of Ireland. Its leaves formed a triad and three was a mystical number in the Celtic religion. St. Patrick used the shamrock in the 5th Century to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as he introduced Christianity to Ireland. In later years, it was worn on the lapel. Hence the slogan "wearin' of the green."

To all my friends in Blogland, Happy St. Patrick's Day!May the roof above us never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out!